Beaufort Memorial’s New Initiative for Breast Cancer Care
In the heart of Beaufort County, a new partnership is blooming at Beaufort Memorial that is set to change the lives of breast cancer patients for the better. The recent arrival of Dr. Heidi Harrington, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to the Beaufort Memorial staff, means that patients can now enjoy a streamlined and innovative approach to breast reconstruction following mastectomies.
Convenient Care Right at Home
Under the skilled leadership of Dr. Tara Grahovac, a board-certified breast oncology surgeon, the Beaufort Memorial Breast Care & Surgery Program has embraced a new era of care that emphasizes convenience, quality, and innovation. With both surgeons working as a team, they aim to provide specialized breast procedures without needing patients to travel to distant cities like Charleston for their operations.
The team’s initiative is particularly significant for those facing a mastectomy, a surgery intended to treat or prevent breast cancer. For many women, the emotional journey of returning to a state of normalcy is greatly enhanced by reconstructive surgery that restores their breast shape and appearance.
A Streamlined Surgical Approach
The good news is that with Dr. Harrington in the picture, patients can now have their mastectomy and breast reconstruction done in a single surgery, known as “direct-to-implant.” Previously, women had to undergo separate surgeries, which not only required them to travel for each procedure but also led to extended feelings of disfiguredness and discomfort.
Dr. Grahovac expressed her joy over this new development, emphasizing the commitment to providing high-quality care right in Beaufort. “It’s much more convenient to do it here, but we wanted quality and convenience,” she explained. Research shows that women who can undergo reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy often experience better psychological outcomes than those who wait.
Minimizing the Physical and Emotional Toll
In addition to the psychological benefits, Dr. Harrington’s prepectoral reconstruction technique minimizes discomfort. Unlike traditional methods that place a tissue expander under the pectoralis muscle, this innovative approach limits invasiveness by placing the reconstruction above the muscle, making recovery more manageable. “By putting this reconstruction above the muscle, we’ve been able to really change the recovery process for these patients,” she explained.
Advanced Technology on the Job
It’s not just improvements in procedural methods that are making waves; cutting-edge technology is also playing a crucial role. The introduction of the SPY-PHI technology has revolutionized how surgeons assess blood flow during operations, allowing Dr. Harrington to determine if the breast skin is healthy enough to move forward with the reconstruction. This technology provides real-time imaging of blood circulation, enabling a more confident surgical outcome.
“I call it ‘Captain Marvel’ because the patient starts glowing,” Dr. Harrington said, highlighting the tool’s ability to visibly aid in surgical decisions.
Creating a Collaborative Care Environment
The collaboration between Drs. Grahovac and Harrington is just as important as the medical advancements. Both surgeons work hand-in-hand to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient care. “When you have a multidisciplinary surgical team, that’s always going to translate into the best outcomes for patients,” Dr. Grahovac stated enthusiastically.
Being able to offer such a high level of care locally is incredibly encouraging for breast cancer patients who value access to their support systems. “You just do better and heal better in your community, surrounded by people who know you, understand you, and support you,” reflected Dr. Harrington.
A Bright Future for Breast Cancer Patients
The arrival of Dr. Harrington and the use of new surgical techniques and technology at Beaufort Memorial represents a significant step forward in breast cancer care in Beaufort County. Together, these two dedicated surgeons are not just changing the medical landscape; they are inspiring hope and healing throughout their community.
For women navigating the challenging waters of breast cancer, this dynamic duo is indeed a welcoming light, bringing convenience, confidence, and compassion right to their doorstep.
